Journal of paediatrics and child health
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J Paediatr Child Health · Sep 2006
Randomized Controlled TrialPrior leg massage decreases pain responses to heel stick in preterm babies.
Leg massage could inhibit the transmission of pain by 'closing the gate' or by activating the endogenous opioid pathway to decrease nociceptive transmission of pain associated with heel stick. The aim of this study is to determine the effects of massage therapy prior to heel stick on responses assessed by the Neonatal Infant Pain Scale (NIPS) (primary outcome), heart rate, respiratory rate and oxygen saturation (secondary outcomes) in infants who required a heel stick for blood sampling. ⋯ Gentle massage of the leg prior to heel stick is safe and decreases pain responses in preterm infants.
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J Paediatr Child Health · Sep 2006
Does necrotising enterocolitis impact the neurodevelopmental and growth outcomes in preterm infants with birthweight < or =1250 g?
To compare the long-term growth and neurodevelopmental outcomes at 36 months adjusted age in preterm infants (birthweight (BW) < or = 1250 g) with necrotising enterocolitis (NEC) with BW-matched controls. ⋯ Preterm infants who develop NEC are at a significantly higher risk for developing neurodevelopmental disability. We recommend close neurodevelopmental follow up for all < or =1250 g infants who develop stage II or III NEC.
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J Paediatr Child Health · Sep 2006
Prevalence of complementary and alternative medicine and use among children in South Australia.
To determine the use of complementary and alternative medicines and therapies (CAM) and common treatment modalities in children. ⋯ Approximately one in five children used CAM in the past 12 months in South Australia. Our findings further highlight the importance of increasing public awareness about the need to inform doctors and primary health-care providers of CAM use in children. Health professionals working with children should ask parents about their children's use of CAM. There is a need for further research examining the safe and judicious use of CAM in children.
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A previous position paper provided a national policy on asthma management for schools. This updated paper takes into account new medications and devices, changes in approaches to management, national guidelines for cleaning of asthma first aid kits in schools and the National Asthma Friendly Schools Program. School teachers and ancillary staff need to be aware both of asthma symptoms and the general principles of asthma management.